Lawless

by Cindy Stark

  Her wet shoes mixed with the dirt as she hurried across downed trees and rough terrain, slowing her progress. But the less-frantic pace allowed her to catch her breath a bit. She pulled the phone from her pocket, wondering why Quinn hadn't called her back yet.

  She hit redial again, but the screen had gone blank. "No." Panic raced through her as she pushed the power button, hoping it had been turned off. Low battery registered on the screen before the phone shut down again.

  She tossed the useless device aside, her head pounding with fear and lack of oxygen. She jogged along, jumping tree roots and small rocks. Was it even possible to make it to Luke's?

  She'd just about convinced herself she could, when she misjudged the height of a root and tripped. Tendons in her ankle shrieked as she twisted and hit the ground. What little air she had whooshed out of her lungs on impact. Swift and violent pain radiated from her ankle, bringing tears to her eyes.

  Desperation overtook her, knowing her running had come to an end. Ahead, lay a large rock that appeared to have tumbled and crashed into a grouping of thin aspen trees at some point in the past. She crawled and dropped behind it, gasping for air.

  A long minute passed before the dizziness in her head cleared, and the pain started to ease. Maybe the men would never find her. She'd gotten a good head start on them, and the area was quite vast. Plus, she'd have the police out looking for her soon. She'd just need to hold her ground until help arrived. She wiped the dirty sweat from her brow. It wasn't the best possible situation to be in, but it wasn't impossible, either.

  She tried to swallow, but her exertion had dried the saliva in her mouth and left her wishing for a cold drink of water. She wiped her crusted mouth and scooted closer to the rock, peering over the edge, using the trees for cover.

  Nothing. She sucked in another breath and let it slide out. The endorphins released when she'd twisted her ankle were fading, leaving pain and swelling to build in her ankle. She could try to stand on it, but that would be foolish. She was safe where she was for the moment. Even if she could stand, the best she could do would be to hobble.

  A movement from the corner of her eye rocketed her straight back into panic mode. She could only see one of the men , but he had crossed the river, too, and was headed in her direction.

  She could no longer use her flight response, so fight would have to do. She scooted farther around the edge of the rock, hiding herself as best she could from his view. She slipped Milo's gun from his holster. There was no doubt in her mind, either she or the unknown man jogging toward her would not see the end of the day. She couldn't bear the fact she wouldn't have a chance to apologize to Milo and thank him for everything he'd done for her.

  She had everything to live for, everything to lose, and she refused to die.

  She rested the gun against the rock to steady her hand and waited.

  Her pulse pounded in her head with each step the man took. He was close now. Had to be several years younger than her, and she was sure if he really looked he could spot her. She held still, grateful she had on a black shirt and not something eye-catching like red.

  She narrowed him in her sights, aiming for his heart, and squeezed the trigger.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  A shot rang out in the distance, and Milo's heart rolled with a nauseating thud.

  Holy Mother of God. No.

  No shots without him present. No shots until he was close enough to protect Ariana. Already, he swore he could feel her life blood slipping away, and the thought tormented him. He forced himself to breathe and run like no other. The river wasn't too far away. He prayed she'd found cover there.

  * * *

  Ariana waited with her gun trained on the spot where her would-be attacker had stood. She was pretty sure she'd hit him, but she'd closed her eyes at the last second and now wasn't taking any chances.

  More movement across the river drew her attention. A heavier-set man made his way along the edge of the water, his weapon drawn, his gaze scanning the riverbank as he made his way north. "Tony," he called out, and she was certain she recognized the voice.

  Manny? Her father had sent Manny to kill her? They'd played together as children, and now he would try to take her life. There really were no scruples in her father's world. She slid down farther from view.

  "Tony," he called again.

  "She's over here."

  Her blood chilled at the sound of Tony's voice coming from her side of the river. She hadn't hit her target after all, and now they both knew her location.

  Manny wasn't quiet as he splashed his way through the water and up the other side. It appeared the additional pounds he carried slowed his pace, but what difference did it make? He had a gun, and he was coming for her.

  He stopped not far from where she'd shot her first bullet and ducked to the ground. She could hear their voices, but not what they said. Then Manny moved again.

  "Come on, Ariana. Give yourself up. I'm not going to hurt you. Your father just wants to talk, a chance to convince you to see his side."

  She didn't answer. The thought of killing someone sickened her, but they left her with no choice. She was sure Manny knew her general location, but she wasn't going to pinpoint it for him. She slowly lifted her weapon and trained it in his direction. He was good, keeping to the trees, using them for cover. But he couldn't stay hidden one hundred percent of the time.

  She aimed for a spot ahead of him where the trees provided an opportunity and waited for him to step into it. When he did, she kept her eyes wide open and pulled the trigger. A queasy sickness shot through her as the bullet hit somewhere in his chest cavity, and he fell to the ground not a hundred feet from where she lay hidden.

  Dear God. She'd just shot and quite likely killed a man. Another still hunted her.

  She waited for what seemed like forever, her heavy breath loud in her ears. Nothing moved on her side of the riverbed, and the not knowing what had happened tortured her.

  Then she saw him.

  Milo.

  He crept low along the riverbank, getting closer to her and to the gunmen.

  Trepidation for his safety and relief that he was on scene battled inside her, making it hard to breathe.

  "Milo," she cried out, unable to help herself. "I'm across the river." Just as she answered, the sound of helicopter blades cutting the air interrupted the false serenity of the area.

  "There are two men over here with guns," she yelled out, hoping Milo could hear her over the noise. A splinter of wood shot from the edge of the tree near her head and landed in her lap. She flattened herself to the ground. One of the men was still shooting.

  Another shot rang out, and she tried to discern which direction it had come from. Maybe from the other side of the river. Maybe not.

  Then the sound of boots on the ground became clear. She raised her gun, ready to shoot if necessary.

  She nearly pulled the trigger out of fright when Milo's face appeared above her. He dropped to the ground next to her, crushing her in his arms as a number of voices sounded from across the river.

  "How many men are out here, Ariana?"

  "Two." She swallowed. "I think I killed one." She pointed to the motionless body lying on the ground not far from her.

  "I took out the other one." He stood and walked to Manny's body.

  She knew she shouldn't look at him, but she needed to see what she'd done. She got to her feet and hobbled over just as Milo rolled him onto his back. Tatters of blue material surrounded the gushing hole in his chest. The pool of crimson blood beneath him grew larger.

  He blinked, sending an eerie shudder through her. He wasn't dead. She fell on her knees next to him. "Manny. How could you? I thought we were friends."

  "I'm sorry." His words came out as a gurgle. "Your father. Me or you."

  "Does he know I'm here?" She couldn't stand the thought he would send others after her and endanger these new people she'd grown to love.

  "No." His head lolled to the side, but his haz
y eyes remained trained on her. "I bugged your friend's phone. Wanted to find you first."

  She couldn't believe him. "Tell me the truth, Manny. No one can help you now, but you might be spared burning in hell if you tell me the truth."

  "Promise. No one, Ari." He took a shuddering breath and closed his eyes.

  A cold shiver raced across her as his spirit departed.

  She and Milo both jerked around at the sound of heavy footsteps approaching. Quinn ran straight to her and pulled her into a strong embrace. "Thank God." He focused his strained gaze on Milo. "Thank God you got here in time."

  * * *

  Milo couldn't deny the overwhelming jealousy that blanketed him as Quinn cradled Ariana in his arms. She started to cry, an after-effect of their drama for sure, and Quinn handed a handkerchief to her. Milo didn't even have a tissue to offer.

  Armed officers flocked the area. What was quiet a few minutes ago, was now a hive of activity.

  "Let's get you the hell out of here," Quinn said to Ariana, taking a step.

  She winced. "I twisted my ankle pretty badly."

  "I'll help you. These men can deal with this mess. Milo? You'll give them a statement?"

  He nodded.

  "Good. They can get Ariana's later. The helicopter's waiting." Quinn scooped Ariana into his arms and started down the hillside, leaving a huge, gaping hole in Milo's soul.

  At one point, she glanced over Quinn's shoulder and met Milo's gaze. He couldn't tell from the expression on her face what she might have been feeling. He sure as hell recognized the wretched heartbreak he'd been left with.

  Her time was up. She'd testify in a few days, and then she'd be free to pursue her new life. A life without him.

  Ah…God. "Miss me, darlin'."

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Four months later…

  Milo walked along the edge of the frosty river, his boots crunching the crusted snow. Dusk descended upon him at a rapid pace, and he wished time itself would cruise by as fast. Ominous clouds hovered overhead, promising a new layer of the white stuff by morning. The locals would be happy to have the water the melted snow would provide in the spring.

  He couldn't care less at the moment.

  The green leaves of summer were now a forgotten casualty of fall, leaving the twisted branches bare on the trees. It was colder than a witch's tit, as his dad used to tell him. Still, he walked this route every day.

  It was a memorial ritual, he supposed. The last place he'd seen Ariana.

  As far as his heart was concerned, she did die that day.

  Gratitude filled the rest of him, though. He'd done his job, and she was still alive and breathing. Probably laughing as she soaked up some tropical sun. It made him happy to think of her that way. She deserved it.

  She'd gotten her wish, and her old man currently rotted in jail. There were a few in the Trasatti organization that were trying to piece together their outfit, but the vultures were circling, and it wouldn't be long before someone else took over their territory.

  Milo kicked a clump of snow into the river and turned toward home. Christmas would be a bitch this year. He'd lied to his friends, telling them Ariana had gone to take care of a sick father. At first, they'd commented on what a kind and thoughtful daughter she was. Now, months later, they no longer asked about her. Only his mother knew the truth.

  If he could bypass that holiday and fast forward to spring when he could occupy himself by biking or fishing, things would surely be easier. He knew from experience time would heal, but he'd dug deep and had not been blessed with patience.

  The scent of burning wood caught his attention as he stepped inside the kitchen door. A quick glance told him nothing in the kitchen was on fire. He rushed into the living room.

  He froze when he saw her.

  She sat on the couch, wearing a soft black sweater. She turned, her turquoise eyes flaring to life when she caught sight of him. She'd kept her dark hair, and an infectious smile tilted her lips. A bright fire roared in the fireplace.

  "I let myself in. I hope you don't mind."

  He said nothing as he crossed the room in three quick strides. She stood as he reached her, and he crushed her in his embrace, burying his nose in her soft hair.

  He held her like that for a long time, afraid to open his eyes, afraid she wasn't real.

  She released a soft chuckle as she leaned back and captured his gaze. "I'm glad you're happy to see me. I wasn't sure after everything that had happened."

  He captured her lips in a kiss. Sometimes actions could speak louder than words. Her scent, the taste of her, the feel of her next to him scorched away the chill he'd held inside him for far too long. "Where have you been?"

  A touch of weariness settled on her features. "The trial took a while. Then Quinn arranged for me to spend some time with Kenzie before I had to leave again." She sighed. "Plus, it took me some time to figure out where I wanted to go, what I wanted to be when I grow up." She smiled. "Quinn's amazing. He arranged for me to be a school teacher, just like I requested."

  "I see. So why are you here? To say goodbye to me, too?" The thought kicked him in the gut like a wild mustang.

  She placed a hand on his cheek, emotion watering in her eyes. "Goodbye? I'm here because I missed you. Isn't that what you said as I left? Miss me, darlin'?"

  An incredulous hope rose inside him. "I didn't think you heard me."

  She placed a soft kiss on his lips. "I did. Or I read your lips. Or something. Somehow, I heard what you said." She kissed him again, this time not so softly. "I've thought of that moment every day since. Prayed you wouldn't forget me before I could come home."

  "Home? You're staying?"

  "I hope this can be my home. Quinn is going to be really angry with me if I have to ask him to place me somewhere else." She lifted her left hand, and his grandmother's diamond winked at him. "I'm really hoping I can keep this."

  It seemed impossible could be possible after all. "Are you asking me to marry you, darlin'?"

  A brilliant smile lit her face. "I believe I am, Deputy Sykes."

  The End

  Excerpt from Sweet Vengeance

  CHAPTER ONE

  She was nineteen and pregnant.

  Could things get any better? Allie Jordan didn't think so. Excitement bubbled in her like the fizzy Coke she held in her hand while she waited outside the local bowling alley after finishing her shift. She watched for her boyfriend's face among the few stragglers who walked Chicago's darkened west-side streets.

  Sure, her friends thought she was crazy for wanting a baby and a family right out of high school, but they didn't know lonely like she did. They had families who waited for them to come home. Allie was lucky her aunt still let her crash on the rotted couch in the basement. She desperately wanted someone she could love forever. Now, she'd found him.

  Half the marquee lights above her were burned out, leaving a soft, protective glow around her. The summer temperatures had come early in May, giving warmth to the evening and coaxing the hoodlums out of their hangouts. Being out alone in that part of town was not for outsiders, but this was her small section of the city. She knew how to avoid the dangers. Besides, nobody messed with Joey Pagano's girlfriend.

  She took a sip of Coke and rocked on her heels in anticipation. Once she told Joey about the baby, she knew he'd want to get married. Then she'd finally have the family she longed for. An odd kind of energy swirled around her, and Allie knew this was a night she'd remember forever.

  Her heart rate jumped when Joey came in to view as he hurried toward her, his dark hair and jacket making him seem part of the night. "You're late again." Allie wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her body against his. His breaths were quick and deep from exertion, but he was there, and everything was perfect. The world lay at her feet, and she couldn't wait to grab it and run. "Someday—"

  "Allie, stop."

  The fear in his voice surprised her. Her happy mood dropped like a block of cement in the nearby
Chicago River. When she looked closer, she realized he had a black eye and his beautiful lip was cut, leaving a bit of dried blood on his mouth. His injuries struck a chord of fear that had long been dormant inside her. "What's wrong?"

  She'd never seen him with his dark eyes so full of anxiety. "We've got to get out of here," he said. "I'll take you home. You need to stay inside your aunt's house as much as possible. I don't think anybody will mess with you there." He pulled her along the street into a deserted alley, tugging her harder and harder until they were nearly running.

  "What do you mean, nobody will mess with me?" The sound of their feet smacking the pavement echoed around them, leaving the other noises behind. "Is somebody messing with you? Is it Benny?" Anything that was bad, wrong or dangerous in Joey's life was because of Benny Trasatti.

  Joey didn't answer.

  He slowed as the eerie darkness enveloped them, allowing her to catch her breath. A cat dashed behind one of the few parked cars on the deserted street.

  "You're not talking to me. Why won't you tell me what's happened?" Couldn't he see she was freaking out?

  "I can't right now. Just—don't worry. Everything's cool."

  They reached the end of the alley, and she wanted answers. She dug in her heels and forced him to a stop in front of Newman's Jewelry store, the place she'd intended to tell him about the baby. She'd dreamed about it all day. On their way home, she'd tell him her news. He'd propose. They'd look at rings, and her future would be set.

  "Joey, please. I love you. Tell me what's wrong. Who hit you? Are you in danger?" She gestured with her hands, her fingers spread wide in frustration. "Please, I can't stand this."

  Joey glanced in both directions before pulling her into his warm embrace. "It's fine. Just a little misunderstanding with the boys."